Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Michael Pittman Jr.

Wednesday, December 24, 9:54 AM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. has been held under 50 yards in three straight games and hasn't found the end zone since Week 11. Samuel has exceeded 50 receiving yards only twice over the past nine games. The former San Francisco 49er draws a potential get-right spot on Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys, who have struggled to defend the pass. Dallas has allowed the most passing yards per game and the most PPR points per game to wide receivers this season. Washington's pass-catchers could take a hit for fantasy with quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) uncertain to play after missing consecutive practices to begin the week, opening the door for journeyman Josh Johnson to make his first start since 2021. Samuel currently ranks as RotoBaller's WR29 in PPR leagues in Week 17.

Sunday, December 28, 2:04 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (calf) was able to return to Sunday's AFC South clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars after being designated as questionable. The veteran caught one of his two targets before leaving the game with discomfort in his leg, but he returned later in the first half. Pittman quickly developed chemistry with starter Daniel Jones (Achilles), which led to eight top-25 finishes among PPR receivers in the first 13 games of the season, but he has taken a backseat in the weeks since Jones was lost for the year. From a fantasy perspective, he's difficult to rely upon with the Colts playing out the string.